Dr. Lauren Rushing

Dr. Sophie Cai is a vitreoretinal surgeon at Southeastern Retina Associates who cares for adults with medical and surgical diseases of the retina, vitreous, and macula. She is known for thoughtful explanations, evidence-based recommendations, and a steady surgical hand that helps patients navigate urgent retinal problems as well as chronic conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Cai partners closely with referring doctors and uses advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to personalize care and protect vision. Dr. Cai completed medical school at Harvard Medical School, ophthalmology residency at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, and a two-year vitreoretinal disease and surgery fellowship at Duke Eye Center, following an internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. At SERA, she also participates in clinical research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with complex retinal disease.

Dr. Jacob Cox is a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon providing advanced medical and surgical care for diseases of the retina and vitreous. He brings a broad academic background and a patient-first approach to Southeastern Retina Associates, where he treats conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and complex macular disorders. Dr. Cox completed ophthalmology residency at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear and a two-year vitreoretinal fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. Earlier in his training he earned master’s study at the University of Cambridge, conducted public-health and ophthalmic research internationally, and later received a national Heed Fellowship recognizing promise in academic ophthalmology. In clinic, he takes time to review images, explain options, and tailor care to each patient’s vision goals—whether that involves in-office injections, laser, or surgery—so people can feel confident and supported throughout treatment.

Dr. Asghar “Abbas” Haider is a vitreoretinal surgeon and ocular oncologist with Southeastern Retina Associates, caring for patients in the Chattanooga region, including Hixson and Cleveland. He treats complex diseases of the retina, vitreous, and macula, and provides specialized evaluation and treatment for ocular tumors. Patients value his clear explanations, collaborative decision-making, and focus on preserving and restoring vision through evidence-based medical and surgical care. Dr. Haider completed ophthalmology residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, followed by an ocular oncology fellowship at Duke University Eye Center and a vitreoretinal disease and surgery fellowship at Retina Consultants of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He earned his MD from the University of California, Irvine, where he also completed an MBA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from UCLA. He welcomes new patients and works closely with referring providers to ensure timely, seamless care for retinal disease and ocular tumors.